Shoppers will need to start remembering their own bags, or start paying a little for them in Soldotna. The city’s bag on single use plastic bags goes into effect November 1st.
Some retailers have already switched to paper and have reusable bags for sale, though, in some cases, those are only a little more durable than the variety on the way out.
With the help of some non-profit groups, the city is hoping to make the transition a little easier. Several organizations made donations totaling nearly $8,000. Here’s city manager Stephanie Queen.
“This project came to be as a suggestion of several council members who wanted the administration to work towards having bags available that could be handed out for free in our community at the transition when the new regulations take effect on November 1st.
We’re so thrilled with the generous response we received. $7,700 in contributions that were provided to the city to be able to order 4,000 of these bags and give them away in the community. Those organizations are Central Peninsula Hospital, which sponsored $1,000 and placed an order for an order for 800 additional bags which they paid for to be able to hand out. Kenai Watershed Forum at a $1,000, Cook Inlet Keeper at $1,000 as well as many additional sponsors at the $500 level including League of Women Voters of the Central Peninsula, Vision Soldotna, Greater Soldotna Chamber of Commerce, Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District and Alaskans for Litter Prevention and Recycling.
The first box came in (Tuesday) and we’ll work with partners to make sure everybody get the bags later this week.”
The free bags will be available at Fred Meyers, Safeway, Walgreens and Sportsmen’s Warehouse.
